Customers have accused energy firms of using underhand tactics

A number of elderly people have told consumer watchdog Energywatch that Southern Electric representatives made them sign up as customers, when they thought they were signing something else.

Energywatch said this had left many elderly people upset, and they condemned what they described as unethical sales tactics.

Southern Electric spokesman Denis Kerby said he was "appalled and horrified" by the allegations and promised an immediate investigation.

One elderly woman from Gateshead said she signed up for Southern Electric after being told by a door-to-door salesman that they were taking over her current supplier.

We need to investigate this very thoroughly and we will start this today Denis Kerby, Southern Electric

She said: "I think it is disgusting what they are doing to old people. I took his word for it and he got me to sign and it was all a pack of lies.

"I have now got a bill to pay to Southern Electric. But I am not going to pay - let them take me to court."

Mr Kerby said: "This is not how we want to go about our business and we need to investigate this very thoroughly and we will start this today."

He said company representatives were paid a basic salary and earned commission on people who signed up, but this should not necessarily cause problems.